Media Release: ONLINE TESTING AIMS TO BREAK NEW GROUND: KOSKY

FROM THE MINISTER FOR EDUCATION

DATE: Tuesday, August 5, 2003

ONLINE TESTING AIMS TO BREAK NEW GROUND: KOSKY

In an Australian first, literacy and numeracy testing throughout Victoria will this year include an online assessment component for English writing skills.

More than 8000 students from 56 schools will take part in the innovative online assessment program as part of the State Government’s Achievement Improvement Monitor (AIM), Education and Training Minister, Lynne Kosky, said today.

The first AIM tests start from today.

“This high tech work is about putting students first and ensuring our government schools give every child the chance to reach his or her full potential, using the latest technology,” Ms Kosky said.

“In this way, we can quickly and accurately identify teaching and learning trends throughout Victoria.

“This information will be used to ensure every school keeps improving and offers the best education programs and learning experiences to students.”

AIM is the foundation of the state government’s numeracy and literacy testing program for students in Years 3, 5 and 7.

Ms Kosky said the on-line English Writing task is new in 2003.

“Students will log in to a central computer system, be presented with a topic onscreen and type in their responses. They will have access to a basic word-processor with editing capacity but no spellchecker,” Ms Kosky said.

“The writing samples will be transferred electronically to the examination centre in Camberwell, where they will be viewed and marked onscreen.

“AIM online tests also involve adaptive multiple choice and short answer questions in English and Mathematics.

“This means making sure every child masters the basics of literacy and numeracy, and also that our schools offer diverse and challenging programs that cater for students of all interests and abilities.”

Ms Kosky said the purpose of the AIM was to provide information and data to students, parents and schools.

The vast bulk of Victoria’s Government, Independent and Catholic schools are taking part in the AIM testing.

AIM testing enables government and schools to:
· Develop curriculum;
· Monitor a student’s learning achievements over time;
· Diagnose potential strengths and weaknesses of students and teaching methods;
· Target resources and
· Ultimately, lift standards for individual students.

The numbers of students taking part in the general AIM tests this year are expected to be:

	Number of Students
Sector	GovernmentCatholicIndependentTotal
Year 3	43,00014,0005,00062,000
Year 5	42,00014,0006,00062,000
Year 7	35,00014,00010,00059,000

Online AIM Tests will be administered to year 7 students in 56 schools - 31 Government, 15 Catholic and 10 Independent - between 11th and 29th August.

General AIM testing will take place today and tomorrow.